Sunday, Jun 21 - Fathers Day
Got up and things were going pretty good. The satellite TV started working again so watch a couple good movies last night. I was getting up from the dinette to get the remote this morning when I triped over the table leg and fell forward, reaching out to grab anything but all I go was the curtain which separated the cab from the cabin, which didn't help as my chest landed on the post at the end of the dinette, hitting my right side ribs and sternum......boy, did that hurt. All I could do was make it back to the couch and laid there for a while as I remembered my Tai Kwon Do where I learned that a blow to the sternum could kill......now why that came back to me then?????? The pain slowly subsided with prayer and IBprohin. I was able to drive home with only pain when I moved. Needless to say, I didn't move much.
The camper did good and I was able to maintain 70-75 mph with not problems. Went through the Appalachian Mountains with not problems. Gas mileage seem lower but I was really pushing it too.
I did find a couple of new sandwiches since I didn't buy that much food. Fixed and hot dog but didn't have anything to put on it so I put peanut butter on and it was pretty good. Then I fixed a peanut butter sandwich and put vanilla cookies on and that tasted really good. I guess you could call that using what you have......
Monday, Jun 22
Got up this morning and the pain has pretty much gone away. I do still have some, even with Ibprophin. Both David and Cari called at the same time, so had a nice 3-way conversation with both of them.
Monday, June 22, 2020
Friday, June 19, 2020
Florida Engine Adventure? Jun 20
Had a great night at the motel. Ordered a pizza and watched a movie,. Actually the Netflix I had on the computer was easier to watch than the TV and it had the movies I like. Got up really slow this morning. Finally, left to walk to the Ford dealer dragging my suitcase behind me. Actually, that worked quite well because I could stop in the shade and had a place to sit. Got to the dealer about 11:15 and the motor was in...talked with the tech and he said it would be another hour. So, I waited....and waited....and waited. I didn't want to rush him so I just waited...... I finally got out of there about 3:30 pm after going bankrupt......taxes came to $450......I think he did a pretty good job. Took off for Costco to fill with gas before I realized that the tank was almost on empty. Stopped at a 7-Eleven to get some gas and was going to just fill it up, but it only allowed me to put in 17 gallons. Got some food there too, but decided to continue on to Costco. Then I noticed that my phone was not charging....turned out the USB for the 12V outlet was missing. Looked all over for it and could not find it. After using my phone all day it was down to 50% and I didn't have any way to charge it so I could use the navigation. I did use it and it got me to Costco, who didn't have any USB 12v chargers so got gas filled up and took off. Made it to I75 and by now the battery was down to 45% when it started acting funny. Restarted it and it didn't really start up right....but knew that I was on the right road. Stopped at a rest area to see if I could get it fixed.....no luck, so drove on. Decided to just stop at the first campground I came to....which happened to be Blueberry Hill...Pretty nice campground but the office closed at 6 pm and it was now 6:30. The nice thing is that there was a WalMart within walking distance so I went there and got the USB charged I needed. I finally got the phone to restart properly and it is working fine now.....thank you Lord. Next I wanted to check out the satellite and couldn't get it to work. So got something else to do when I get home.....never boring.
Finally got to a great little county park right on the lake. A neat old guy checked me in and said that it was built by the TVA....Tennessee Valley Authority, but they don't like to maintain these so they leased it to the county. $18 for elect and water is a great price.
The trip here is another story. Everything was going fine for the first 540 miles but the last 15 miles took me 1 1/2 hours because there was something that caused a HUGE backup. It was so bad that at times I put it into park because we just didn't move at all. This went on for miles. Google Maps finally gave me an alternate which was a little longer and 2 lanes but after an hour and 20 min of stop and go, I took it. It was really great.
The only other bad place was around Atlanta. Google Maps was taking me through downtown, but I did that once before and did not like it. I noticed a sign that said trucks had to take 285 Bypass so I decided to take it too. Loved it, until I got to the other side of Atlanta and back on 75 N that I ran into construction which slowed me down too. This all put me into the park about 4 hours more that was programmed. Considering I only stopped 2 times for gas and 2 times at a rest area which only added about an hour to the trip, most of the delay was the traffic.
One of the stops was for lunch and I decided to start the generator to run the AC and microwave a Hot Pocket, but something happened that I lost power even with the generator running. Something else to check out when I get home.
The only ot
Finally got to a great little county park right on the lake. A neat old guy checked me in and said that it was built by the TVA....Tennessee Valley Authority, but they don't like to maintain these so they leased it to the county. $18 for elect and water is a great price.
The trip here is another story. Everything was going fine for the first 540 miles but the last 15 miles took me 1 1/2 hours because there was something that caused a HUGE backup. It was so bad that at times I put it into park because we just didn't move at all. This went on for miles. Google Maps finally gave me an alternate which was a little longer and 2 lanes but after an hour and 20 min of stop and go, I took it. It was really great.
The only other bad place was around Atlanta. Google Maps was taking me through downtown, but I did that once before and did not like it. I noticed a sign that said trucks had to take 285 Bypass so I decided to take it too. Loved it, until I got to the other side of Atlanta and back on 75 N that I ran into construction which slowed me down too. This all put me into the park about 4 hours more that was programmed. Considering I only stopped 2 times for gas and 2 times at a rest area which only added about an hour to the trip, most of the delay was the traffic.
One of the stops was for lunch and I decided to start the generator to run the AC and microwave a Hot Pocket, but something happened that I lost power even with the generator running. Something else to check out when I get home.
The only ot
Florida Engine Adventure? Background Jun 19, 2020
6/19/2020
Although I am writing this today the story begin on Jun 8 when a renter called to tell me that the engine light had come on as she was driving to Florida....straight through. She had said that she did not feel anything different with the way it was working. I gave her permission to continue driving because it was about 10 pm. I did some checking and couldn't really find anything. I had not gotten the T-Mobile Sync up working so I called T-Mobile to try and get it working......well after several attempts and calls and a couple of hours I was finally able to get it working. At first it didn't show any problems at all, so I texted the renter and let them know.......However about 2 am I get a notification from the sync up that #2 cylinder was misfiring. It said that if the engine light was flashing that I should get it immediately to a repair facility. I texted the renter and she replied that it was not flashing. So I asked if when she got to Clearwater FL that she take it into a Ford dealer to have it looked at. It wasn't until the next day that she was able to get it in. The dealer didn't find anything initially and reset it to see if it came back on. Well, that evening I was again notified by syncup that #2 was misfiring, so I texted renter who initially said the engine light was not on, but later texted that it did come on again. She took it back to the dealer who gave her a loaner and they started doing more testing. At first they could not find a cause, but later came up with some problem with the cylinder and that it was going to cost about $5000 to fix it. By now it was Saturday, Jun 13 and they would not get the parts in until Tuesday. I initially gave the go-ahead, but thought about just putting in a new engine. Called back and found out that it would cost $6300 to do that. I gave the go-ahead to have a new engine put in. Tara said that it probably would not be ready until Friday which was the same as if it had been repaired. I checked out breaking in a new engine and most said that it would be 500-1000 miles to do that. I decided then that I felt I needed to be the one to do that. So I decided to fly down and drive it back. I ended up with many phone calls getting Outdoorsy to return the entire amount of the rental. The renter found a condo which they rented for a week. They then rented a car to drive back...which I paid for. I flew down to St Pete-Clearwater Airport on Thursday 6/18. The renter picked me up at the airport and took me to my motel which was about a mile from the Ford dealer. I walked on over there at noon because I could not check in yet at the motel. Met Tara amd she showed me my baby which was torn apart and the engine was just sitting there. She said they were still thinking Friday...but. She called me about 5:00 and said there is a 70% chance it would be ready Friday. So, here I am this morning, Firday, still not knowing. Plan to walk over again at noon because I have to check out at 11am.
One really bright spot was on my flight here which had absolutely no social distancing. I had the pleasure of sitting between two lovely young ladies. Had a great conversation with one of them, Brittney, and it really made the fight wonderful. She was traveling with some other young ladies who were sitting throughout the airplane. After landing she had one of the other ladies take our picture. She just made the flight very enjoyable.
Although I am writing this today the story begin on Jun 8 when a renter called to tell me that the engine light had come on as she was driving to Florida....straight through. She had said that she did not feel anything different with the way it was working. I gave her permission to continue driving because it was about 10 pm. I did some checking and couldn't really find anything. I had not gotten the T-Mobile Sync up working so I called T-Mobile to try and get it working......well after several attempts and calls and a couple of hours I was finally able to get it working. At first it didn't show any problems at all, so I texted the renter and let them know.......However about 2 am I get a notification from the sync up that #2 cylinder was misfiring. It said that if the engine light was flashing that I should get it immediately to a repair facility. I texted the renter and she replied that it was not flashing. So I asked if when she got to Clearwater FL that she take it into a Ford dealer to have it looked at. It wasn't until the next day that she was able to get it in. The dealer didn't find anything initially and reset it to see if it came back on. Well, that evening I was again notified by syncup that #2 was misfiring, so I texted renter who initially said the engine light was not on, but later texted that it did come on again. She took it back to the dealer who gave her a loaner and they started doing more testing. At first they could not find a cause, but later came up with some problem with the cylinder and that it was going to cost about $5000 to fix it. By now it was Saturday, Jun 13 and they would not get the parts in until Tuesday. I initially gave the go-ahead, but thought about just putting in a new engine. Called back and found out that it would cost $6300 to do that. I gave the go-ahead to have a new engine put in. Tara said that it probably would not be ready until Friday which was the same as if it had been repaired. I checked out breaking in a new engine and most said that it would be 500-1000 miles to do that. I decided then that I felt I needed to be the one to do that. So I decided to fly down and drive it back. I ended up with many phone calls getting Outdoorsy to return the entire amount of the rental. The renter found a condo which they rented for a week. They then rented a car to drive back...which I paid for. I flew down to St Pete-Clearwater Airport on Thursday 6/18. The renter picked me up at the airport and took me to my motel which was about a mile from the Ford dealer. I walked on over there at noon because I could not check in yet at the motel. Met Tara amd she showed me my baby which was torn apart and the engine was just sitting there. She said they were still thinking Friday...but. She called me about 5:00 and said there is a 70% chance it would be ready Friday. So, here I am this morning, Firday, still not knowing. Plan to walk over again at noon because I have to check out at 11am.
One really bright spot was on my flight here which had absolutely no social distancing. I had the pleasure of sitting between two lovely young ladies. Had a great conversation with one of them, Brittney, and it really made the fight wonderful. She was traveling with some other young ladies who were sitting throughout the airplane. After landing she had one of the other ladies take our picture. She just made the flight very enjoyable.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Branson Adventure, Day 4, Jun 4
Thursday, Jun 4
After my busy day yesterday I came back from the Hughes show and pretty much collapsed. Didn't feel like going out to eat, and didn't really feel like fixing anything, so just fixed a corn-on-the-cob and snacks.....watched TV....then went to bed.
Early this morning just after I got up there was a huge thunderstorm that hit but I was ready and nothing came of it. It did slow me down and just took it easy as I prepared to leave. I had put my scooter on the back rack and covered it so the rain didn't hurt it. Sometimes God gets you to do something because he knows what is coming and he wants you ready for it. Although I didn't 'feel' like putting the scooter on the rack, 'something' in my mind said I had better do it.....so I did. There is more than one way to 'listen' to God.
So now I am going to get the camper ready and then leave for home. Had an exciting and wonderful time.
After my busy day yesterday I came back from the Hughes show and pretty much collapsed. Didn't feel like going out to eat, and didn't really feel like fixing anything, so just fixed a corn-on-the-cob and snacks.....watched TV....then went to bed.
Early this morning just after I got up there was a huge thunderstorm that hit but I was ready and nothing came of it. It did slow me down and just took it easy as I prepared to leave. I had put my scooter on the back rack and covered it so the rain didn't hurt it. Sometimes God gets you to do something because he knows what is coming and he wants you ready for it. Although I didn't 'feel' like putting the scooter on the rack, 'something' in my mind said I had better do it.....so I did. There is more than one way to 'listen' to God.
So now I am going to get the camper ready and then leave for home. Had an exciting and wonderful time.
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Branson Adventure, Day 3, Jun 3, 2020
Wednesday, Jun 3
Found a new place to eat yesterday, called Jackie B. Goode Uptown Cafe, and it was really good. They had some live entertainment as well....a guy that sang Elvis songs and really sounded like him. Turns out the owner of the campground's husband was also an Elvis impersonator/singer and he really looked like him too. I had a chicken fried steak that was bigger than anything I had ever seen before, in fact, I even had to take a picture of it.
Found a new place to eat yesterday, called Jackie B. Goode Uptown Cafe, and it was really good. They had some live entertainment as well....a guy that sang Elvis songs and really sounded like him. Turns out the owner of the campground's husband was also an Elvis impersonator/singer and he really looked like him too. I had a chicken fried steak that was bigger than anything I had ever seen before, in fact, I even had to take a picture of it.
Taking pictures of my food is not something I do, but I just couldn't resist. I only ate about 2/3 of it.....seems like I am going to hate getting on the scale when I get back home.,
Left early this morning for the Branson landing, downtown. I had gotten a ticket for a show which was a tribute to the Platters, at the Hot Hits Theater. The campground owner got the tickets for me and that is when I found out it was downtown.....a little to far with the sidewalks questionable...I decided to drive the RV there. She called and found out there was a free parking lot a block from the theater. So I unhooked and drove down only to find out they didn't allow RVs in the parking lot. I ended up driving to another big parking block a lot farther away and parked there. I love Google Maps. So I definitely got my steps in today. There were 3 guys that performed and they were pretty good. It was a very small theater and social distancing even made it smaller:
Of course the fact that there were only 6 of us attending, they had a hard time getting the audience participating.
Since I got down to the Landing early I had plenty of time to find a parking lot, so I walked around but since it was only 8:00 am there was not much open. I walked by a barber shop and got a hair cut and they told me about a couple restaurants open so I had breakfast. By that time to was 9:30 and the show started at 10:00. Turned out to be a nice morning afterall.
Got the camper back and set up again by 12:30 and the next show started at 2:00 pm and it is within scooter distance. I rode to the theater and parked right by the front door.....I just love being old and riding up on my scooter and asking if I can park it here. Could they say anything to an old man on a scooter but sure....it is alright.
Well, it was the Hughs Family Musical Theater. They are all one family and they are a HUGE family. They are four brothers and their wives and children. One family was 15 children and another 10 children. The smallest one had 3 children,
The biggest thing is that they are all very, very talented. They sang and many played the violin really good. One little girl about 8 years old sang like an adult. The whole show was wonderful. The best show of all. BTW.....every show was done with social distancing.
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Branson Adventure Day 1-2 Jun 1-2
Monday, Jun 1
Had a great trip down. Took about 5 hours which included stopping for gas and lunch. I still feel that I-44 is a beautiful route to travel. I just seems there are so many people who are only interested in getting to their destination as quickly as possible, that they miss really seeing the beauty of God's creation. Between listening to my Southern Gospel music and the beautiful scenery I really had a great trip down.
The campground is VERY hilly, which I guess is to be expected if you take a look at the area's rolling hills took a few pictures
Had a great trip down. Took about 5 hours which included stopping for gas and lunch. I still feel that I-44 is a beautiful route to travel. I just seems there are so many people who are only interested in getting to their destination as quickly as possible, that they miss really seeing the beauty of God's creation. Between listening to my Southern Gospel music and the beautiful scenery I really had a great trip down.
The campground is VERY hilly, which I guess is to be expected if you take a look at the area's rolling hills took a few pictures
Tuesday, Jun 2
I have 3 shows lined up to see. Most of the shows they have here don't start until 8:00 pm and of course they are 2 hours long which puts me way past my bed time. I have elected to just see shows at 10:00am and 2:00 pm. I just think all shows here in Branson are good.
Had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and listened to some beautiful songs while I ate. I just really love that place.....of course had a little missing my lady feeling with the Christmas shops, etc.
Went to my first show --- "A tribute to Marty Robbins with Leroy New" It was pretty good.........a lot of guitar playing some old Marty Robbins song...i.e, White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation" and El Paso among them. Since I love music, and an old fan of Country Music, I enjoyed the two hours but was ready to leave by the end.
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